Lionel Mandrake:Terrible Old Man: Ah, Atheism. A religion just as arrogant, ignorant, and full of dickery as any other. Unfortunately, for a group of people with absolutely nothing to say, we sure hear a lot of it.

Jarhead_h:Terrible Old Man: Ah, Atheism. A religion just as arrogant, ignorant, and full of dickery as any other. Unfortunately, for a group of people with absolutely nothing to say, we sure hear a lot of it..

Applause.

Anti-nativity scenes? Now it's willfully ignorant mithra/fertility goddess worshippers versus those oh so pleasant people who believe in nothing and never miss a chance to remind you about it.

Jarhead_h:Terrible Old Man: Ah, Atheism. A religion just as arrogant, ignorant, and full of dickery as any other. Unfortunately, for a group of people with absolutely nothing to say, we sure hear a lot of it.

Anti-nativity scenes? Now it's willfully ignorant mithra/fertility goddess worshippers versus those oh so pleasant people who believe in nothing and never miss a chance to remind you about it.

mekki:The public as by tradition. If they think what you are doing is negative and dark, there's a good chance it is. And if they deem you a dick for doing such displays, there's also a good chance you are.

To many Christians, anything involving, mentioning, or implying Atheism is considered "dark". I could very easily imagine enough people of Santa Monica would complain about even a simple "Have a Happy Winter Solstice and Holiday Season from the Atheists of Santa Monica" display, because atheism is "dark: to them (not to mention not directly referencing Christmas), to cause a problem.

No, the Santa Monica government did the right thing. They tried to allow all equally, the atheists followed the rules, and then someone (most likely Christian, with the slim possibility of an atheist or other doing it to stir up the pot) couldn't accept that the atheists were given equal voice and vandalized their displays. So, this time the government very rightly decided that it would be easier for all concerned if they just put a blanket ban on displays on PUBLIC PROPERTY (emphasis, because many people seem to be missing this key point here). All are banned equally. NONE are banned from putting displays up on private property.

And yet, it is the Christians who are complaining that their rights are being infringed because they are not being accorded special privileges, but rather all are being treated equally under the law.

There seem to be an incredibly large number of people in this thread who are missing the point, either deliberately or out of ignorance. I guess it's just much easier to complain about uppity atheists demanding equal application of the law. :-/

When an Xtian tries to convert me or tell me I'm going to "Hell", is that "hate speech"? Not only are they disagreeing with my view of life and religion, they're threatening me with ETERNAL DAMNATION if I don't do what they say (and that's about the worst thing you can threaten someone with).

How is that acceptable, but freedom FROM that is "hate speech"? You farkers.

I more or less despise Christianity, but even I have the courtesy of calling it "Christmas." "Xmas" to me has always come across as extremely petty and needlessly caustic unless the person using is it using it as a genuine abbreviation (which was common long before the "War on Christmas" was even a phrase).

There are many factual ways to irritate Christians if that's your thing, without resorting to denigrating their holiday. I irritate Christians frequently, but only via rebuttal to stupid claims on their part. But stooping to that as an insult is pretty damn douchey if you ask me.

Lionel Mandrake:The Supreme Court has ruled that when the government opens up public property to private citizens - when it creates a public forum for speech - it cannot discriminate in favor of some viewpoints and against others.

this is how the challenge for Citizens United should proceed. based upon this ruling. because when they said money=speech they themselves created a forum for speech that was inherently discriminatory on the basis of wealth.

Revek:That you seek to tell us all how this unknown thing is this way rather than that way. In this respect you are identical to the theist.

You're mistaken. Atheists don't give a fark what you believe or don't believe. They just want your religious bullshiat out of government and schools.

nmemkha:I have no problem with tasteful and respectful holiday displays from any religion or group.

Neither do I. As long as they aren't on government property.

HotWingAgenda:Dude, shhhhhh. Just tell them that the worst, most infuriating thing they can do is worship privately without involving our governmental institutions.

Yeah, I'll tell you... what would really get my dander up is if I couldn't tell who believed in gods and who didn't. If all theists kept that shiat secret, and only prayed silently and privately?... man, that would drive me nuts. I'd feel like there were ninja-believers all around me, all the time. Shoot, I'd probably have to start believing in Jesus myself, I'd be so mad. Please Xians, continue to behave like whiny children every time someone challenges your infringement on the Establishment Clause, so I can continue hating the God that I secretly believe in deep down... I just don't know what I'd do if didn't have that fire to keep me warm at night.

If someone happens to have no faith in a Creator, then the word 'atheist' is simply a descriptor or an attribute. Those who take on Atheist as an identity in itself can universally be regarded as smarmy, conceited, and belligerent tossers. This thread bears those facts out plainly.

The motivations for the Schoolboy Atheist are generally anger and resentment. Those who simply had no faith would have no interest in such discussions. It's safe to say that the common heathen just doesn't care -- but these lads here? They have serious mommy and daddy issues.

lordjupiter:When an Xtian tries to convert me or tell me I'm going to "Hell", is that "hate speech"? Not only are they disagreeing with my view of life and religion, they're threatening me with ETERNAL DAMNATION if I don't do what they say (and that's about the worst thing you can threaten someone with).

How is that acceptable, but freedom FROM that is "hate speech"? You farkers.

I live with my momThere was a shiat ton of wharrrrrgrrrbble on this thread. You win the prize for the most.

Since Jesus was made up and given the green light by Constantine and Santa is another myth, the 25th of December should be celebrated because the sun sets 1 degree higher and the days start getting longer and the wolves go away.

Active outspoken Atheist here.I really don't like the anti-nativity scenes. I find them repulsive.What atheists should put up isn't anti-christian scenes, but pro-freedom, happiness, family, and real rather than imagined goods.

SmartestFunniest2012-12-02 01:35:49 AMThe Supreme Court has ruled that when the government opens up public property to private citizens - when it creates a public forum for speech - it cannot discriminate in favor of some viewpoints and against others.

So, STFU about your oppression and the WAR ON CHRISTMAS™ and pack up your nativity scenes and take them somewhere private. I bet your church would let you set up a creche on their property. Why, I bet any number of individuals and businesses would gladly let you set up your displays on their property.

Lionel Mandrake:Revek: That you come in talking about how atheist don't do this or don't' do that but the truth is that they just do different asshole things.

For example?

Revek: I just simply don't care how wrong you are about the tendency of atheist to be just as uncompromising in their quest to be... Well assholes

When are atheists uncompromising?

When they demand that the Constitution be applied equally to all groups? When they fight to keep "Intelligent Design" out of science textbooks? When, like one guy sues over "In God We Trust" on the money? OK, that guy's an ass, but I happen to agree it doesn't belong there. Nevertheless, that is like ONE guy. Unless he's your neighbor or a relative, you can easily ignore the whole thing.

What exactly do atheistsChristians do but talk on a TV that you can turn off, and write books you don't have to buy, and chat in threads that you don't have to read?

Revek:Lionel Mandrake: Revek: That you come in talking about how atheist don't do this or don't' do that but the truth is that they just do different asshole things.

For example?

Revek: I just simply don't care how wrong you are about the tendency of atheist to be just as uncompromising in their quest to be... Well assholes

When are atheists uncompromising?

When they demand that the Constitution be applied equally to all groups? When they fight to keep "Intelligent Design" out of science textbooks? When, like one guy sues over "In God We Trust" on the money? OK, that guy's an ass, but I happen to agree it doesn't belong there. Nevertheless, that is like ONE guy. Unless he's your neighbor or a relative, you can easily ignore the whole thing.

What exactly do atheists do but talk on a TV that you can turn off, and write books you don't have to buy, and chat in threads that you don't have to read?

That you seek to tell us all how this unknown thing is this way rather than that way. In this respect you are identical to the theist. And how is it that the guy who wants in god we trust off the money is any different from the guy who want the nativity scene off the public land. To me, Both assholes. These things don't force you to go to church. They don't force you to believe. If it offends the eye then do not look upon it, My eyes see it all with equal doubt and I am not offended.

gadian:What happened to live and let live? All sorts of things go up on public land and I don't give a shiat. If I don't like the look of it, I don't look at it. Please don't fark up Christmas celebrations to a point to where no one gets the day off, guys.

Yeah, he should be more like the religious people mentioned in TFA. Don't speak out against religion in government, or use the legal system to make sure the church and state stay separated, because that's childish.

Lionel Mandrake:Revek: That you seek to tell us all how this unknown thing is this way rather than that way. In this respect you are identical to the theist. And how is it that the guy who wants in god we trust off the money is any different from the guy who want the nativity scene off the public land. To me, Both assholes. These things don't force you to go to church. They don't force you to believe. If it offends the eye then do not look upon it, My eyes see it all with equal doubt and I am not offended.

Boy, you like to generalize don't you?

Atheists are not trying to put non-science into science classes. They are not trying to put up monuments to E=mc2 or the laws of thermodynamics. Atheists do not knock on your door.

Everything an atheist does is easily not read, not watched, not listened to or walked away from.

When did the Christians tie you up and strap you down and force feed their dogma to you? Did it look like this:

HotWingAgenda:Revek: And how is it that the guy who wants in god we trust off the money is any different from the guy who want the nativity scene off the public land. To me, Both assholes. These things don't force you to go to church. They don't force you to believe. If it offends the eye then do not look upon it, My eyes

They're only asking government officials to stop violating the 1st Amendment prohibition on the government respecting an establishment of religion. It's not about feelings, it's about adherence to the supreme law of the land. How can a non-Christian expect due process at a courthouse covered in Christian labeling? How can I have faith that my government has my best interests in mind, if its very money is printed with a slogan for a religious group that has historically tortured and persecuted members of other religions?

So much effort to fight against something they don't believe in. Atheism is the real mental disorder, as this ridiculous story proves. No such thing as an atheist anyway. You have to know all there is to know to say for certain.

MENTAL DISORDER with a large amount of Narcissism.

Well done, atheists. You're creating stupid stuff to combat what you claim is stupid stuff. Instead of just letting people doing what they want, you know better. Yes, you are the champions.

JustTheTip:HotWingAgenda: Revek: And how is it that the guy who wants in god we trust off the money is any different from the guy who want the nativity scene off the public land. To me, Both assholes. These things don't force you to go to church. They don't force you to believe. If it offends the eye then do not look upon it, My eyes

They're only asking government officials to stop violating the 1st Amendment prohibition on the government respecting an establishment of religion. It's not about feelings, it's about adherence to the supreme law of the land. How can a non-Christian expect due process at a courthouse covered in Christian labeling? How can I have faith that my government has my best interests in mind, if its very money is printed with a slogan for a religious group that has historically tortured and persecuted members of other religions?

Well said! Liberty and political freedoms are like muscles, if you don't use them, they shrink and go away. Putting up an "Anti-Nativity" isn't the point in itself, it's the flexing of religious freedoms, and pushing back against encroachment by the followers of a particular religion.

Wait... now I am confused... I was under the impression that Athiesm is to religion what Bald is to hair color...

Studson:lordjupiter: When an Xtian tries to convert me or tell me I'm going to "Hell", is that "hate speech"? Not only are they disagreeing with my view of life and religion, they're threatening me with ETERNAL DAMNATION if I don't do what they say (and that's about the worst thing you can threaten someone with).

How is that acceptable, but freedom FROM that is "hate speech"? You farkers.

I live with my momThere was a shiat ton of wharrrrrgrrrbble on this thread. You win the prize for the most.